Machine gun



Apr. 10, 1923'. 1,451,443

E. FOWLER MACHINE GUN Original Filed Dec. 4, 1918 Y 5 sheets-sheet l www' Apr. 10, .1923. y 1,451,443

E. FowLER l MACHINE GUN Original Filed Dec. 4, 1918 5 sheets-sheet 2.lliIIIII "in "if, MII' Amun Api-Q io, 1923.

. FOWLER MACHINE GUN Original Filed Dec. 4, 191k QWNM. Nm. mm.

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Apr. lo, 1923.v

Original Fld Dec.

5 sheets-sheet 4 1 NQ Y NQ @www N5 @Nw Nb ,Mul/VII! Api. w, 1923.

E. FOWLER MACHINE GUN Original Filed Dec.

4, 1918l 5 sheets-sheen 5 To all @kom itmay conce/mf Patented Apr.10,1923.

Vnutren STATES 'PATENT Vol-Flea ELBERT rownEa, or BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

MACHINE GUN.

Application led lbecember'dr,v 1918, Serial No. 285,239.` RenewedDecember 21, 1922.;

yBe yit known that I, ELBERT FoWLnR, captain, Ordnance Department, U. S.A., a citizen of the United States, residing at Balti# more, Maryland,have invented an Improvement in Machine Guns,`of which the followin is aspecification.

his invention relates, generally, to automatic machine guns ofl thatdescription in which all operations of the mechanism are automaticallyeffected by the energy of the recoil of the movable parts,and is of thesame general class as the Vickers machine gun, model of 1915, and theBrowning machine gnu, model of 1917.

The invention relates, particularly, to novel improvements inrecoil-operated machine guns in which the barrel and breech parts recoiltogether, while interlocked, a limited distance and are then unlocked,the movement of the barrel being thereupon arrested, and the breech boltcontinuing its recoil, during which energy is stored in a reactionspring, by which all parts are returned to the forward firing position.

One object of the invention is to produce an improved firearm of'l thisclass which is especially adapted for military service by reason ef itsreliability, accuracy, strength, absolute safetyl under all conditions,light Weight, and extreme simplicity of construction, and lbecause theparts are not likely to get out of order..

Another object is to provide a novel improved construction ofmachine gunin which certain parts of the mechanism perform several distinctfunctions, thereby reducing thenumber of the component parts andreducing the time and labor of assembling the parts and the cost of thegun as an entirety. For instance, in my lconstruction, I have devisedasingle instrumentality ,of peculiar form, which serves the dualfunction of extracting the cartridge from the feed-belt and of cookingthe firlng-pin, this single member thus performing functions.

which are usually performed by two parts in machine guns as heretoforeconstructed.

Another object relates Vto the provision of acartridge-extractor,movable on an instant pivot, whereby the front endof said throughout the several views. The dliferent figures of thedrawings may be brieiy deextractor moves downward inv substantially astraight line, which construction is an improvement over other wellknown constructions, in which the front end of the extractor describesan arc in its movement,

necessitating a special contour ofthe front end of the-breech-bolt. c

Another object relates to the manner of mounting the cartridge-extractoron the breech-bolt, whereby it may be removed from said bolt withoutwithdrawing the latter from the gun, which construction is animprovement over Aother constructions, in which it is necessary towithdrawv the breech-bolt from the gun before the cartridge-extractorcan be removed.

VAnotherobject relates 'to the novel con-l struction-of the ejectorwhich obviates the use of springs and whereby the cam-pin carried by1t ethe support for the ejector.v

' Another object relates to the provision of. novel andimproved'mechanism for locking the breech-bolt, against the breechvthrough the recoil plates of the barrel trunnion piece, whereby thebarrel and breech-bolt recoil together, while `interlocked, a limiteddistance, and are then'automatically unlocked. And a complemental objectis the peculiar construction of thelbreech-bolt locking member wherebyit serves the additional func` tion of'a breech-bolt accelerator, thuscombining 1n a'single instrumentality functions which are usuallyperformed by two parts,.

in machine guns as heretoforeconstructed` Another object relates to theprovision of novel and improved trigger-scar mechanism. Another objectrelates to the provision of a buffer carried by the recoil-plates,againstv which the breech-blt recoils during the latter portionD of itsrearward movement so .extractor constitutes, also,A

that no strain is imposed in the rear. end

plate, as in other constructions.

Another ob'ect. relates to the provisionv Another object relates to theprovisionv of novel and improved safety locking means v for 4thetrigger.

The accompanying drawings disclose an exemplary embodiment of theunderlying principles of my invention. Like reference characters denoteK corresponding parts scribed as Eollows: V-

Fig. 1 is a'centrah'vertical, longitudinal, sectional view through thegun, showing the `safety locking mechanism for the trigger;

'gun and the breech-bolt'moved rearward by recoil a short distance; j

Fig. -4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the position of theparts corresponding to the position thereof shown in i 3; Fig. 5 is aview `similar to Fig. l, but showingthe position of the parts lwhen thebreech-bolty has reached the point of maximum recoil;

Fig. 6 is a top planl View of the gun, thebolt being removed to show theunderlying arts' E) Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are sectional views through thefeed-slide and its operating mechanism, showing the relative positionsof the feedslide and feed pawl at different stages in the operation ofthe gun; v

Fig. 10 is ahorizontal sectional` lview through the cover;

Figs. 11, 12, 1.3 are detail views of the ex tractor and ejector;

Fig. 14 is a sectional detail view of the Fig. 15 is a transversesection on the line 15--15, Fig. 14; and j Fig. 16 is asectional view onthe line 16-16, Fig. 4.

Referring'now in detail to the drawings:

The barrel I passes lengthwise through the cooling-jacket la, from thefront of which its muzzle projects some distance; while the rear portionof the barrel is supported in a seat provided for it in the trunnionblock 2. The breech end of the barrel is screwed into the transversebarrel trunnion piece 3, on the trunnions 3', 3 of which are journaledthe forward ends of right and left hand recoil plates 4, 4. Suitablemeans are provided for locking the breech-bolt 17 against the breechduring the combined rearward movement of the barrel, the barreltrunnionvpiece, the breech-bolt and the recoil plates, and, in thisinstance, the following described means are used:

The rear ends of the recoil plates 4, 4 are provided with bearings 6, 6,in which cranks 8, 8 are free to swing -through an angle ofapproximately 60%. The cranks 8, v8 are connected by a member 7,operable to lock the breech-bolt 17 against the breech through therecoil plates 4. 4, as shown in Fig. 1.

The breech-bolt locking-member 7 is provided with an arcuate cam surfaceor face 19, which, in the movement of said member to releasing position,bears upon the vertical Y face 18 of a depending projection 1S iiriedrvat the rear of the breech-bolt 17 and acts as an accelerator for thebreech bolt 17.

Asthe .breech bolt 17 moves from the position thereof shown `in Fig.1,-to its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 5, mechanism about to bedescribed is operative to jection 18 of the breech-bolt, to throw thebreech bolt rearward. 'Ihe locking member L 7 is provided, oppositetheinclined cam face 19, with a beveled locking face 20, which, in theraised or` locking position of the member7, bears against thecorresponding ywall 21 of a recess in the under surface ofthebreech-bolt 17.

'It will thus be seen that the member 7 is a combined breech-boltlocking member and accelerator. i The locking member 7 is positivelyforced into its upper locking position by suitable means. In thisinstance, the means shown in the drawing is given 'as an example, andwill now be described. Projecting through a longitudinally-extendingslot in the side plate 77, is a boss 9 (Fig. 16), which engagesr acorrespondingly-shaped socket in the adjacent crank 8. Fast on this boss9, is

an arm 10 for actuating the cranks 8, 8 and,

, consequently, the locking member 7. The

arm or lever 10 is disposed in a casing 10a secured to one of the sideplates 77 (see Figs. 2, 4, Gand 16). The inner surface of the Wall ofsaid casing carries a locking cam 14 and an unlocking cam 12. In theforward andrearward movements of the recoil plates, the lever 10 strikesagainst said cams, thus swingingthe cranks 8, 8on their pivots 6, 6, andthrowing the locking member 7 into and out of locking position withrespect Vto the breech bolt 17. The lever 10 with the cam 12 vserves tolimit the rearward movement of the barrel and the plates 4 due to recoiland the force required to operate the lever serves to absorb the shockof recoil of these parts.

Carried by the recoil plates 4, 4 are ribs 15, .15, which fit incorresponding grooves in the sides of the breech-bolt '17. these ribsthus forming tracks on which the breechbolt reciprocates.

0n the front face of thebolt 17 is a langeway 22 for receiving andguiding the heads of cartridges, as usual, l.and for extracting thecartridge shell after the cartridge has been fired. (See moreparticularly Fig. 5.)

Extending longitudinally through lsaid breech-bolt 17, near the topthereof, is an opening 23. In said opening is a coiled recoil thereofand restoring the barrel and plates 4 to normal position. The, reactionspring is; in this instance, shown as encir-` cling a rod 25 having atits forward end, a head 42, against the rear face of which one end ofsaid spring is seated.

Projecting into the rear end of said opening 23, is a trigger-tube 26,into which the rod 25 projects. Said trigger-tube is provided, on itsbottom, with a depending lugl 27, having an inclined rear face, asshown, constituting a sear releasing member (as presently appearing).

The trigger-tube 26 extends rearward and projects (see more particularlyFig. 14), at its rear end, through an aperture provided therefor in thehandle block or plate 79, and into a trigger-casing 7 9". Thetrigger-tube is provided, at4 thefpoint where it projects through theplate 79, with two longitudinally extending, diametrically opposedlongitudinal slots 26a, 26a, through which projects a pin 83, againstwhich the rear end of the spring 24 bears. The rear face of said handleblock 79 carries an annular, internallythreaded nipple 79, in which isthreaded a tubular open-ended trigger-casing 79", having alongitudinally extending groove 7 9c in its inner face, a longitudinallyextending slot 79e diametrically opposite the groove 79, and an inturnedannular flange 79d at its rear end.

The trigger 7 9f is provided with a head 7 9g annular in cross sectionand having a rib 79h diametrically opposite the trigger finger piece 79f, for a purpose presently appearing. The head 79g is elongated so asto project forwardly of the trigger piece 79t and normally rests, at itsforward end, against the outer face of the plate 7 9, as shown in Fig.14:. The head 79g is provided with an axial recess 79i extending fromthe end thereof farthest from the finger trigger piece 7 9l andterminating short of the other end thereof, in which recess isI seatedthe rear end of the trigger tube 26. Suitable. means are provided forsecuring the trigger-head 79g to the trigger-tube 26 and, in thisinstance, a cotter pin 7 9j is shown as projecting transversely throughthe slot 7 9e and through said head and trigger-tube. Any other securingmeans may, however, be used, as this is an unimportant detail, in thenature of ay mere mechanical expedient.

Suitable mechanism may be provided for normally maintaining thetriggerin safe position against unpremeditated release of the sear by thetrigger-tube controlled by the trigger. The exemplary means shown in thedrawig will now be described:

A rotatable locking annulus 79k is disposed between the rear face of thehead 79g. of the trigger and the ange 7 9@l of the trigger-casing 7 9".The annulus is provided with diametrically-opposite, longitudinally-Aing upon the button extending slots 79', 79' extending from the frontend thereof, which, in therotation of thering, are adapted to be broughtinto registry with the projection 79, andv with the upper end .of thetri ger finger-piece 79'. Means are provided or normally holding thering in such position that said slots are out -of registry with theprojection 79l1 and with the upper end of the trigger fingerpiece 79,and for returning said ring, after rotationthereof, to normal position.The trigger-casing 79? is provided with a longitu 'inally-extending slot79 in which slides a pin 79n carried by a button 7 9 slidably disposedwithin said annulus 79k, the latter having a cam slot 79D, into whichsaid/pin projects. It will thus be seen that the'button moves along arectilinear path and has no" rotatable movement, and that the' annulus79 k rotates and has no rectilinear movement. Consequently, in view ofthe. construction described, it will bea parent that, by press- I79", soasto move the same toward the head 7 9b of the trigger, the slots 7 9m,7 9m will be brought into registry with the projection 79h, andwith theupper end of the trigger finger-piece 79f, so that said trigger may bemoved rearward, said projection 7 9h-and the upper end of the triggerfinger-piece moving in said slots. The means for automatic-allyreturning the button 7 9 and the annulus 7 9k to normal position,l afteractuation thereof, comprises a coiled spring 7 91, one end thereof beingsecured'to the button 79o and the other end thereofv to the head 79g.

By virtue of the relative arrangement of the trigger and its safetylocking means, the operator may press with the thumb of one hand uponthe button 7 9, and with a finger of the same hand against the trigger79f.

clined face 28 of.. the scar, in the cocked position of the gun, is inengagement with the inclined face of the lug 27 at the forward. end ofthe trigger tube 26.

Forwardly of the pivotal point ofl said.

scar, the latter is provided with a bearing face 37, at the top of whichis a forwardlyextending arm 37b. At the bottom of sald arm is a recess30, forming the locking recess for the head 31 of the irmg pin 32. j

The firing pin 32 is seated in a longitudinally extending recess 32 inthe breech-bolt, and is provided, toward its forward end, with alongitudinally-extending slot38 and with a longitudinally-extendingrecess extending from the rear end of the firingpin and terminatingshort of the slot 38. In said recess 35 is disposed a coiled spring 34,constituting a driving spring for the firing pin. The rear end of thespring bears upon a plunger 37 projecting through the rear end of saidfiring pin and contacting with the bearing face 37a of the sear 29,thereby constantlytending to force the rear end of the sear upward.

The combined cooking' lever and extractor 40 is disposed in a verticalrecess 40d, in the breech-bolt 17, and` is provided with a rear-vward-projecting tail 39 depending into the slot 38 of the firing-pin 32;at the upper end, with a forwardlyextending arm 40f, terminating in anarcuate edge engageable with the groove a in a cartridge; on its rearface, with a shoulder 43, against which the head 42 of the drivingspring rod 25 constantly engages: also on its rear face, with alrnuckle40 projecting into a' socket 40a 1n the breech-bolt 17; and with aforwardly-extending link 40b pivotally supported at one end thereof, onthe livoted pin 41 disposed intermediate the en s of the extractor, theother end of the .link having a bearing in a socket 41c in the wall 41evof the recess 40d in the breech-bolt.

It will be noted by the construction described that the extractor may beremoved from the breech-bolt without removal of the latter from the gun,which is a distinct and material advantage over well-knownconstructions, in which it is necessary to remove the breech-bolt fromthe gun in order to remove the extractor. It will be also noted, by theconstruction described, that the extractor swings on an instant center.

The cartridge extractor 40 carries the depending shell-ejector 80. Theejector comprises a curved beak, as shown, and the Astrap 81, whichembraces the forward end of the arm 4()t of. theextractor 40` and issecured thereto by a cam pin 82 which extends through the strap andthrough said forward end of the arm 40t and projects beyond the same oneach side thereof, to form as it were, horns. The ejector 80 isconstructed of spring material and may be stamped upfrom` sheet metal.vIt will be noted that the pin 82 is a combined cam-pin and supportingpin for the ejector. The cam-pin, while having a tight fit in thetransverse hole in the arm 40", is removable therefrom; so that, shouldthe ejector break it may be easily removed and a perfect ejectorsubstituted therefor.

The Vcam pin 82 is adapted to guide the extractor 40 in extracting acartridge, and in properly positioning the same, and for this purpose,thel side plates 77, 77 are provided with cam plates 83, 83, each havingan upper edge which is straight for the greater portion of its lengthand thence gradually downwardly inclined toward its rear end, as shownat 85. The cams are also provided with a straight lower edge andoppositely inclined sides as shown. At lthe bottom and inclined sides ofvthe cam-plates is a groove 86. j

On top of the breech-bolt 17 is secured a feed-cam connector 48,comprising, in this instance, two conver ing arms 48', 48', as shown inFig. 2, an a lateral, upstanding lug 48a which engages a correspondinggroove 50 in the rear end of the feed cam 50. Said rear end of the. camis provided with a beveled face 61. The feed cam 50 is provided withlongitudinal side tongues 51, 51, which engage and slide incorresponding grooves 53, 53 in the cover 57. Thus, the feed cam 50,under the compulsion of the connector 48 which is secured to the breechbolt 17, slides front and rear, as the breech bolt reciprocates.

The feed cam is provided, on itsunder face, with a cam-groove 60, inwhich isseated a lug 66 carried on the upper surface of the feed slide62. v

The feed-slide 62 comprises a top plate which carries the lug 66, andsides 62', 62', carrying transverse tongues or ribs, which engage andslide in corresponding transversely extending grooves 65. 65 in thetransversely-disposed, dependent brackets 65a, 65a carried by the cover57, whereby the feedslide moves transversely with respect to said coverand to the feed cam 50, and whereby a backward and forward movement ofthe latter causes a movement of the feed slide transversely thereof.

The sidesl 62', 62', of the feed-slide 62 carry lateral, depending arms62a, 62a, connected, at their lower ends, by a pin 70, constituting apivot for a cartridge feed pawl, 7 4 provided with a ramp 67, whichcauses the feed pawl to rise up over a cartridge which may not have beenextracted on the previous rearward movement of the pawl due to'mal-function. This prevents the feed pawlfrom engaging the succeedingcartridge, thus automatically preventing the succeeding cartridge frombeing moved over into interference with the preceding cartridge whichthe 'extractor failed to with-l draw from the cartridge belt A, andeliminating the possibility of the occurrence of one of the worse typesof jams known in machine g'un work. In this connection, -attention isdirected to the fact that this result is accomplished without the use ofan extension finger, as in other machine guns.

A coiled spring 7 5, one end thereof bearing against the end face of thetop of thc feed slide 62 .and the other end against the feed pawl 74,serves to normally actuate the latter downward toward the cartridges inthe cartridge belt A.

The feed pawl 74 is provided, at the end thereof opposite the pivotalend, with a serrated, cartridge-engaging face'74.

At the inlet end ofthe cartridge feed channel is a cartridge feed-box,which, in

(which easily works loose).

this instance, comprises the flaring upper and lower portions 76 and 77,respectively. Pivoted in the lower portion 77 at 71, and projectingthrough an aperture 71a in said portion, 1s dog 69, with its upper endyieldingly held, by a spring 72,'in the path of the cartridge belt A inthe feed channel. This dog revents, in the usual-manner, the cartridgeelt moving in the Wrong direction. This dog does not require the usualfinger piece for moving it at will out'of the path of lthe feed-belt, incase of a stoppage of the same; since the belt may, if necessary, beinstantly and readily moved, raised, or adjusted in the feed-channel bysimply opening the cover 57 ,5' which gives free access to the feedbelt.

At their rear, the recoil plates 4, 4 are bent toward each other,forming a carrier for the buffer 73. lt'will be noted by thisconstruction that the rear end platev of the gun is relieved of allstrain, as the bu'er is not seated thereagainst, as in otherconstructions.

The operation of the belt-feeding mechanism is as follows:

As the breech-bolt 17 moves to the rear under recoil, the feed cam 50,which is connected to the bolt through the connector 48, moveswith it.Since the stud 66 on the feedslide 62 operates in the cam groove 60 ofthe feed cam 50, this rearward movement of the bolt causes a movementfrom right to left of the feed slide, during which movement thefeed-pawl 74 rises over a cartridge in the belt A, against thevresistance of the feedpawl spring75, and hence is in a position toengage this cartridge and move it from left to right when the bolt 17again m'oves forward. i'

After having reached its limit of rearward travel, the bolt 17 movesforward, under impetus of the reaction spring 24, and forces thefeed-cam forward which, since the stud 66 of the feed cam 50 works inthe camgroove of the cam 50, causes the feedslide to move from left toright, thus bringing the next cartridge into the ready-to-feed position.Y

Attention is c'alled to the fact that the movement of the b elt feedingmechanism is not derived from the sudden and short movement ofthebarrel-recoil, as in one well known type of gun; nor is ittransmitted through the belt feed lever (whichis easily bent) operatingona belt-feed lever pivot In my construction, the force necessary tofeed the belt is applied directly at the ,point at which theenergy isrequired.` Y

As the breech-bolt 17 moves to the rear, the extractor 40, whichis inengagement with a cartridge, drags the/.same from the belt A and movesit ,to the rear, without any downward movement, until the horns 82, 82

of the extractor strike the downward curved 'surfaces 85 of the cams 83,whichcauses a downward swing of the extractor, since the reaction spring24 exerts a constant pressure, through the head 42, on the uppershoulder 43 of the extractor. When the horns 82, 82 reach the switchpoint of the cams 83, that is, when they reach the lower end of thedownward curved portion 85 (as shown in Fig; 5), the extractor is beingacted upon by the breech-bolt spring 24 and by thefiringpin spring 34.At this instant, the boltspring 24 is fully compressed and lies entirelywithin the trigger-tube 26, while 'the firing-pinspring 34 1s partiallycompressed. Since the breech-bolt spring 24 is working through a longerlever arm than the firing pin spring 34, said spring 24 exerts thegreater pressure and, consequently, causes the extractor to swingdownward, which does away with the use of any kind'of switch.

As the bolt 17 moves forward, the ydown'- wardly and forwardly slopingrear end surface of the cams 83 permit the extractor to move fartherdownward, thus increasing theV movement of the extractor causes theejector bolt by reason of its head being engaged in the flange way 22,outof place. Simultaneously the cartridge which is engaged by theextractor 40 is lowered into line with the barrel Upon the breech boltmoving forward, said cartridge is inserted in the barrel.

For the purpose of manually moving the breech bolt rearward and forward,a handle 90, as shown in Figs. 2, 4, 6, is inserted into the bottomslide plate 91 near its front end, the rear end of the slide beingprovided with an upturned flange in position to be engaged bylug 18 ofthe bolt 17 uponrearward movement thereof. A spring catch 92 on theupper face of the bottom slide plate 91 is in thepath of lng 18,SQ-that, when the slide is manually moved rearwardly saidcatch willengage the lug 18 to move the bolt also rearwardly. An unlocking cam,such as 93, is positioned adjacent the rear limit of travel of catch 92,in position to force catch 92 downward when the slide has reached theextreme rearward position.

With the foregoing description of its construction the operation of thebreech mechanism will be readily understood. After a feed-belt, withcartridges in the pockets thereof, has been inserted into thefeedchannel from the left side to the right, the

maturely.

bolt is automatically repeated, and the next cartridge is seated in thebarrel ready for firing. In this manner, single shots may be fired atwill, the pulling of vthe trigger rocking the sear each time to releasethe firing pin, the sear thereupon returning to llocking position tohold the firing pin again in a cocked position.

lf it is desired to fire a succession of shots, or a burst, the triggeris pulled and held by the finger of the operator, which tilts the sear,so that the upper end thereof bears against the lug27 of the triggertube26. Since the trigger is held in the rear posit-ion, the bevel on thesear comes into engagement With the bevel on the lug under the drivingspring tube, thus automatically tripping the sear and releasing thetiring pin eachV time the bolt approaches the extreme forward and lockedposition, thus constituting a safety provision Which prevents anymovement of the trigger tube from being communicated to the sear pre- Itis evident that various changes in the form and arrangement of the partsmay be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, What l claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a machine gun or the like, a combined firing-pin cooking-member,cartridgeextractor and shell ejector'.v

2. In a machine gun or the like, a combined ring-pin cooking member andcartridge extractor in one piece and a shell ejector carried thereby.

- 3. ln a machine gun or the like, a combined tiltable firing pincooking member, and cartridge extractor.

4. In a machine gun or the like, a combined tiltable firing pin cookingmember and cartridge extractor, and spring means for tilting saidcombined tiring pin cocking member and cartridge extractor.

5. In a machine gun or the like, a feeding, mechanism for successivelyfeeding cartridges in a cartridge belt to a position above and in linewith the barrel, a firing pin, and a combined firing-pin cooking memberand cartridge extractor engageable with said firing pin to cock thesame, and

with the cartridges in the cartridge belt to extract the samesuccessively therefrom.

6.*In a machine gun or the like, feeding mechanism for successivelyfeeding cartridges in a cartridge belt to a position above and in linewith the barrel, a firing pin, and a combined firing-pin cooking memberandI cartridge extractor engageable with said firing pin to cock thesame and with the cartridges in the cartridge belt to extract'thesame'successively therefrom, and means ieldingly bearing against saidcombined ring pin cooking member and cartridge extractor for tilting thesame.

7. In a machine gun or the like, feeding mechanism for successivelylfeeding cartridges in a cartridge belt to a position above and in lineWith the barrel, a cartridge extractor engageable with the cartridges inthe cart-ridge belt to extract the same successively therefrom, andtrigger mechanism comprising a trigger, aA tube movable with saidtrigger, and a spring projectlng into said tube and bearing against saidcartridge extractor for tilting the same.

8. ln a machinegun or the like, feeding mechanism for successivelyfeeding cartridges in a cartridge belt to a position above and in lineWith the barrel, a cartridge-extractor engageable with the cartridges inthe cartridge belt to extract the same successively therefrom, a breechbolt carrying said cartridge extractor, and a reaction spring forreturning said breech bolt to firing position after the recoil thereof,said spring constantly bearing against said extractor to tilt the same.

9. In a machine gun or the like, feeding mechanism for successivelyfeeding cartridges in a cartridge belt to a position above and in lineWith the barrel, a firing pin provided with a recess, a cartridgeextractor engageable With the cartridges in the cartridge belt toextract the same successively, and projecting into said recess of thefiring pin to cock the latter.

10. Ina machine gun 'or the like, a breech bolt having a recess for thereception of a cartrldge extractor, one Wall of said recess being cutaway to form a pocket, a cartridge extractor projecting into said recess'and havlng a knuckle rejecting into said pocket, an means yiel inglyengaging said cartridge extractor to tilt the'same.

11. In a lmachine gun or the like, a breech bolthaving a rrecess for thereception of a cartridge extractor, one Wall of said recess being cutaway to form a pocket, a cartrldg'e-extractor projecting into saidrecess and having a knuckle projecting into said pocket, and a linkconnecting said extractor with the f ront Wall of said recess, and meansfor yleldingly engaging the said extractor to tilt lthe same.

12. In a machine gun or the like, trigger mechanism, a firing pin havinga longitudinally extending recess, a sear for holding the firing pin incocked position' and a firing pin driving spring housed in said recessand maintaining said sear in constant contact with saidtriggermechanism.

13. In a machine gun or the like', trigger mechanism, a firing pin, ascar for holding the firing pin in cocked position, said firing pinhavlng a longitudinally extending recess, a plunger projecting i'ntosaid recess at one end thereof and bearing against said sear', and afiring-pin driving-spring housed in said recess and bearing against theinner end of said -plunger for constantly maintaining the same inforcible Contact with said Sear.

14. In a machine gun or the like, the combination, with the recoilplates of the barrel, of a breech bolt having a recess inits bottomsurface, and a swinging locking member` for locking said breech-boltagainst the breech through said recoil plates, said locking memberhaving a curved face bearing against the at rear wall of said recess.l

l5. In a machine gun or the like, the combination with the recoil platesof the barrel, of a breech bolt having a recess in its bottom surface,and a swinging locking member for locking said breech bolt, against thebreech bolt through said recoil plates, said locking member having acurved Jface bearing against the rear wall of said recess, and astraight face bearing against the front wall of said recess.

16. In a machine gun or the like, the combination with the recoil platesof the barrel, of a breech bolt, swinging cranks carried by said recoilplates, and a locking member carried at the lower ends ot said cranksand movable into and out of locking relation with said breech bolt.

17. In a machine gun or the like, the com.

bination with the recoil plates of the barrel,

of .a breech bolt, swinging cranks carried by said recoil plates, alocking member carried at the lower ends of said cranks and movable intoand out of locking relation with vsaid breech bolt,- and an operatingarm connected with said cranks for moving the same.

18. In a machine gun or the like, the combination, with the recoilplates of the barrel, of a breech-bolt, swinging cranks carried b saidrecoil plates, a locking member carrled at the lower ends of said cranksand movable into and out of locking relation with said breech bolt, an'operating arm connected with said cranks for moving the same, and camsin the path of movement of said operatin arm for moving'the same tothrow the loc ing member into and out of locking relation with respectto said breech bolt.,

19. In a machine gun or the like, a breech bolt, a combined ring pincooking mem-- ber and cartridge extractor carried thereby and movable onan instant centerA and means for moving said combined cooking member andcartridge extractor whereby the front end 0f said member movesvertically in substantial parallelism with the front face of the breechbolt.

20. In a machine gun or the like, the combination, with a breech-bolt,of a combined spring-tilted firing-pin cocking-member andcartridge-extractor carried thereb and removable therefrom, without withrawalof said bolt from the n, by manual movement rearward of saidmember, against the tension of its spring.

21. In a machine gun,a cartridge-exl tractor carrying a removablecam-pin, and an ejector supported upon said pin and comprismg astrap-portion bent over vsaid extractor and throu hwhich said pinprojects, and a longitudinallyv-curved, dependingbeak. v Intestimonywhereof I aixm si nature.

ELBERT F W ER.

